Optical switch

Details Optical switch Optical switch

1989-04-06

1991-07-30

Gonzalez, Frank

350 9621, 350 9622, G02B 636

Patent

active

050354825

ABSTRACT:
A switch for optical fibers includes two identical housing halves for retaining the optical fibers in a substantially fixed position. The fibers are retained within the housing halves forming two pairs of opposed optical fibers. An intermediate fiber is provided between the opposed fibers, and each end of the intermediate fiber is moveable into alignment with one of two fibers to form four switching positions. The intermediate optical fiber is externally plated with a metallic coating which provides a resiliency to the fiber, allowing the fiber to provide its own spring retention within an associated alignment groove. A switching plate is also provided for each free end of the intermediate fiber for switching movement of the free ends into optical alignment with the free ends of the optical fibers. Transverse movement also axially moves the optically aligned fiber out of an abutting relationship with the free end of the intermediate fiber to maintain the surface finish on the ends of the optical fibers. The switch can also be made in the form of an electromagnetic switch where end portions of optical fibers having ferromagnetic metal coatings of constant thickness are secured together in pairs in an alignment channel adjacent a solenoid. The pair of fiber end portions are fixed adjacent one channel sidewall and the pair are movable by activation of the solenoid from a position in which they are inherently spring-biased against the opposite sidewall with only fibers and in optical alignment to a position in which they abut sidewall bringing fibers and, respectively, into alignment.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4152043 (1979-05-01), Albanese
patent: 4189206 (1980-02-01), Terai et al.
patent: 4204744 (1980-05-01), Wittmann
patent: 4652081 (1987-03-01), Fatatry
patent: 4657339 (1987-04-01), Fick
"Mechanical Optic-Fiber Switch", by Hale, Electronics letters, 22nd Jul. 1976, vol. 12, No. 15.
"Bistable Optical Fibre Switch", by Dahne, Electronics Letters, 14th Aug. 1980, vol. 16, No. 17.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Optical switch does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Optical switch, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical switch will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1538791